Paul Storr Silver Salts

- Item No.

Key Features

Item Details

Width:
4 1/4 Inches

Height:
2 1/4 Inches

Depth:
2 1/4 Inches

Period:
18th Century

Origin:
England/Ireland

An important set of four sterling silver salts crafted by master silversmith Paul Storr, reflecting the level of craftsmanship, superior quality, and attention to detail Storr imparted to all of his works. Dramatic and classical in design, the oblong vessels feature lion's heads at the opposite ends, while a gadrooned pattern undulates along the bowls. Egg and dart accents adorn the feet and rims for graceful and restrained effect. Storr, considered by all to be the greatest silversmith of his era, was the principal silversmith of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the Royal Jewelers and Silversmiths to their majesties George III, George IV and their extended families. Without question, he produced some of the most exciting, exquisite and expensive silver ever made. His works are highly regarded and collected by museums and silver connoisseurs around the world.

Hallmarked London, 1793

4 1/4" wide x 2 1/4" deep x 2 1/4" high

About the Maker

Paul Storr's Lasting Legacy

The Legacy of Paul Storr

Without question, Paul Storr can be considered among history's finest smiths and he will long be remembered for perfecting the works, styles and designs of the Regency period.

Storr pursued a career in silversmithing at an early age, apprenticing to Swedish-born smith Andrew Fogleberg when he was only 14. Fogleberg's interest in the neo-classical style greatly influenced his student, and in the young Paul Storr, he had found a most avid and accomplished protege.

Storr entered his first mark in 1792, which reflects his short-lived partnership with William Frisbee. Soon after, he began to use his PS mark, which he maintained for the duration of his career with only minor changes. Though he held no official title, Storr enjoyed patronage from many important and powerful figures of the period, including King George III. His first major work was a gold font commissioned by the Duke of Portland in 1797 and in 1799 he created the "Battle of the Nile Cup" for Lord Nelson.

Much of Storr's success was partly due to the influence of Phillip Rundell, of the popular silver retailing firm of Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. Rundell's firm nearly monopolized the early 19th century market for superior silver and obtained the Royal Warrant in 1806. This shrewd businessman realized the talent of Paul Storr and began pursuing him in 1803, but it wasn't until after declining many offers that Storr finally joined the firm in 1806.

After many years of working for Rundell, Storr realized he had lost much of his artistic freedom and by 1819 he left the firm to open his own shop, turning his attentions towards more naturalistic designs and soon began enjoying the patronage he desired.

After only a few years of independence, Storr realized he needed a centralized retail location and partnered with John Mortimer, founding Storr and Mortimer in 1822 on Bond Street. By 1838, his latest collaboration became riddled with complications, mostly due to Mortimer's poor management of the business. Storr retired from silversmithing and at the age of 68 he and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Tooting in 1839. Storr died just five years later.

Paul Storr's legacy is a remarkable body of work with far-reaching influences. Neo-classical pieces, and exuberant, ornate vessels, Storr imparted a level of craftsmanship and superior quality that has seldom been seen since. His efforts were not reserved for his more prestigious pieces. In fact, every piece of Storr silver was given the same superior level of quality, receiving the benefit of being created from the finest high-gauge silver.

The Great Georgian Silversmiths

Discussion of the great silvesmiths and silver of this period almost invariably involves three silversmiths whose work has become synonymous with the Georgian ear. Paul de Lamerie, Hester Bateman and Paul Storr were each exemplary smiths enjoying a great deal of prosperity and success in their careers, and they share the distinction of being among the most highly respected and collected silversmiths today.
Read More »

Paul Storr's Lasting Legacy

Without question, Paul Storr can be considered among history's finest smiths and he will long be remembered for perfecting the works, styles and designs of the Regency period.
Read More »